Dehradun: The preparations for an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) and the Uttarakhand Cooperative Federation regarding the supply of sheep, goats, poultry, and trout fish for meat from over 4,000 local farmers/livestock in the border districts of Champawat, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand have been completed.
To promote development in remote and difficult areas, encourage re-migration to border regions, curb migration, and ensure high-quality food for soldiers, Uttarakhand, Chief Secretary, Mrs. Radha Raturi has instructed that all formalities be completed to execute this MoU soon. Describing this MoU as an effective initiative for the Vibrant Village Program, Chief Secretary Raturi said that it would stimulate economic activities in border areas, promote local livestock and animal breeds, generate employment opportunities for border populations, and encourage the “Vocal for Local” initiative.
Chief Secretary Mrs. Radha Raturi mentioned that through this collaboration between ITBP and the Uttarakhand government, livestock schemes in the state would be implemented at the grassroots level. During the meeting, ITBP proposed providing the services of its veterinarians in the border areas of the state, which was agreed upon. The Chief Secretary instructed the arrangement of a medical mobile van for animals under the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund.
Regarding the proposed Skill Development Program in the tourism sector by ITBP, the Chief Secretary directed that a meeting on this topic be held with the Tourism Department.
Chief Secretary Raturi also said that this MoU between ITBP and the Uttarakhand Cooperative Federation would pave the way for similar collaborations with other military institutions like SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) and the Army in this sector. This MoU would help strengthen the supply chain in border areas, ensure that farmers receive fair prices, facilitate direct supply from farmers, and guarantee the availability of fresh food to ITBP throughout the year without delays from the plains.
To implement the MoU, Chief Secretary Raturi discussed the revolving fund, marketing fund, and administrative expenses with the Uttarakhand Cooperative Federation, instructing that it be operated in a sustainable mode in the future.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Mr. Dilip Jawalkar, Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, IG ITBP Mr. Sanjay Gunjyal, and officials from the Cooperative, Finance, and ITBP departments.
